Didn’t have space to get Erik Gudbranson post game quotes after 5-0 whipping by Predators rooks but he wasn’t too happy.
He said while he was thrilled to be playing in his pseudo NHL debut he wasn’t happy with the result.

“I was excited at the start, obviously it’s my first NHL experience as far as team play… but I wasn’t happy with the result. At the end of the day that’s what you’re looking at… The guys didn’t give enough effort. … We got to step it up tomorrow.”

He did deliver some bone-crunching results but also had an ugly turnover while at the point of a power play that nearly led to a breakaway goal if not for a post.
… Chris Clackson, a tryout player from Western Michigan University, is trying to earn a spot with his phyical play. Rookies coach Chuck Weber, filling in for Pete DeBoer, praised Clackson afterwards for his fight in the first period. However, he leveled an unsuspecting Linus Klasen in the third and the kid looked like he was bleeding and unconscious. He eventually was helped off but I wouldn’t be surprised if he sustained a concussion. It reminded me of David Booth getting nailed by Mike Richards last years.
All in all a shaky start for goalie Marc Cheverie and the rooks but the Predators youngsters had much more AHL experience – and it showed. Legend Boom Boom Geoffrion’s grandson Blake Geoffrion was all over the ice with a goal and an assist. Chip off the old block. For the Panthers Evgeny Dadanov had the most scoring opportunities but he was denied by the goalie combo of Chet Pickard and Anders Lindback. The Predators outshot the Panthers 21-8 in the first period but the Panthers ended up with a 40-37 edge. They still got outplayed though. Chuck Weber is interested to see how they get off the mat and respond in tomorrow’s noon rematch.
FYI – a great crowd of about 1,250 came out to Saveology.com Iceplex to make for a cool atmosphere. Later.

Comments (8 Comments)

was great to see hockey again, after a loooonnnngggg hot summer. gudbranson is raw, but i’m sure the panthers will do right by him.. yes nashville looked like a veteran team, completely outplaying the panthers from the opening face off. it was hard to see the hit on klasen. he was helped off the ice and as he glided by me, he looked glassy eyed.. only one fight w/ clackson, but some good hits and some spirited play.fans and players all seemed to enjoy themselves.

HARVEY FIALKOV, a tennis-playing sportswriter who grew up in Long Island following the dynastic Islanders, is the new Panthers beat writer for the Sun Sentinel and looking forward to writing about the best professional sports team in Broward County.